Line 6 Helix

Line 6 has unveiled Helix, their new flagship tour-ready guitar processor. Helix represents a giant leap forward in guitar processing, as well as a new way of thinking about guitarists and their relationship to technology.
Every hardware and software component has been meticulously designed and works together to accurately recreate the dynamic feel of tube amplifiers and lush sonic footprint of classic effects pedals. The HX modeling engine uses dual-DSP processing to deliver a level of realism that hasn't been previously attainable from modeling, and brings along with it an entirely new playing experience.
"Helix is the start of a new chapter in the way guitarists relate to technology, " said Marcus Ryle, Line 6 President. "Line 6 has spent over twenty years refining and evolving modeling technology. With Helix, we've created a next-generation platform with all-new HX models that are the culmination of all our past experience. We are confident that Helix will sound and feel amazing to both analog purists and tech savvy players alike".
With 12 touch-sensing footswitches, each with a multi-color LED ring and dedicated graphic display, plus a large color LCD and a revolutionary hands-free editing mode, Helix is designed to set a new standard for making tremendous power easy to use. Add in professional MIDI and hardware control capabilities and four assignable effects loops, and it's also the most comprehensive master controller for guitar systems ever built.
Helix will be available as a floor pedal and rack version, with the same audio and control capabilities. To bring the touch sensitive footswitches and display capabilities of the pedal board version to Helix Rack, there will also be an optional foot controller.
Price: The Helix floor pedal will begin shipping at the end of summer 2015 and will have an MSRP of $1,499. The rack version MSRP $1,499 and foot controller MSRP $499 will be coming later in the fall. All models will be available through select dealers worldwide.

Lots of good info here.
http://line6.com/support/topic/14264-helix-faq/
Don't know what it sounds like but they have definitely raised the bar in terms of features.  The pedal mode sounds like it's intuitive and the screen and design are nicely laid out.  But the price means I'm going to have to sell some gear first which isn't so bad as I'll get to hear some reviews irst.
 
Cheers,
 
jayson

Not for me.  In fact the POD HD is not for me, tried one and sent it back.  Sticking with my POD X3 but live I only use the POD X3 for effects only, no amp sims.
 
 

Looks insane! I'm a big fan of the HD500 and the HD500X and have long stated that paired with a DT series amp, it could stand up to anything out there. Looks like Line 6 has been listening. 3rd party IRs has long been a feature request along with updated effects, amps and cabs. We'll see how good it is soon enough...I'm not in a hurry as I just bought a new HD500X/DT25 a month ago (but it sure is sexy looking).

Wait until Christmas and you'll get all kinds of sales.

 
Sorry clintmartin  -  I just couldn't resist!